A series of emotional interviews marked the atmosphere surrounding Atlanta United as coach Ronny Deila focused on fostering unity within the team.
“We have to start to come together,” Deila emphasized.
“Push always to get better. But in the end, I have to see smiles. I have to see people attacking the situation.”
This resonated largely with the team’s performance lately, which has mirrored unpredictable weather, moving from sunny beginnings to stormy struggles.
Captain Brad Guzan underscored the necessity of tightening the defense as a primary area for improvement.
“Turning clouds into sunshine starts with the team improving its effort defensively,” he noted, reflecting on how the team had conceded 19 goals, including six in their last two outings.
“I think when you defend well, you get chances. You create chances.
When we’re cohesive and together and solidified, limiting spaces for the opposition to play in, that’s when we’re at our best going forward.
That being said, when we get in the attacking third and we have chances, we’ve got to punish teams.”
Indicating potential changes, Deila suggested that he might alter personnel or formations in the upcoming match against Nashville.
He expressed concern over Alexey Miranchuk and Miguel Almiron frequently occupying the same areas on the pitch, hinting at a need for better positioning for both players.
“It’s more about what is the best setup to get the best out of everybody and how they fulfill each other inside the pitch,” Deila commented.
As the team grapples with its on-field performance, the emotional wellbeing of players remains equally significant, especially since May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month.
Guzan, one of several Atlanta athletes featured in a commercial advocating for mental health, reflected on the importance of resilience and rituals in navigating tough times.
“After I started having children with my wife, I learned how to process the negative feelings from training and matches better,” he shared.
Focusing on family health, he advised keeping a broader perspective despite current struggles.
“I know it’s not great in terms of on-the-field results, but when you put it into perspective in life, my kids are healthy, my wife is healthy, I’m healthy, my family members are healthy, and my friends.
It’s that type of outlook that changes how you deal with situations on the field.”
Guzan also expressed optimism about his teammates discovering their strategies for coping with challenges within the team.
“This isn’t going to last forever, and we’re going to come out of this stronger as a group and as individuals, and it’ll be OK,” Guzan assured.
Emphasizing hopeful resilience, he stated that the team needs to approach the next game with determination as they aim to turn the current situation around.
In terms of player availability, injuries have affected the team dynamic.
Centerback Stian Gregersen is sidelined with a quadriceps injury, while midfielder Tristan Muyumba is out with an adductor issue.
Both players have made significant contributions to the squad, with Gregersen starting in eight matches this season and Muyumba having six starts from his seven appearances.
Looking ahead to the upcoming match, officiating duties will be taken up by referee Sergii Boiko, with assistants Jose Da Silva and Meghan Mullen assisting him on the field.
Additionally, fourth official Sergii Demianchuk, VAR Carol Anne Chenard, and AVAR Mike Kampmeinert will play critical roles in ensuring the match runs smoothly.
Analyzing individual performances, Miranchuk stands tied for third in expected assists among league players, showcasing potential despite not netting any assists yet.
This statistic reflects Atlanta United’s passing prowess, sitting eighth in the league with an impressive 85.4% passing accuracy.
The team also ranks second in dribble success rate, trailing by merely 0.4% behind Houston.
In contrast, the team has experienced difficulties, mentioned by Guzan, which have led to issues in both attack and defense.
With 198 crosses made this season, Atlanta United is sixth overall, suggesting they create opportunities that could lead to goals if completed effectively.
As they prepare for their upcoming fixtures, Atlanta United looks to transform their performance.
The supporters remain hopeful as the players strive to turn their fortunes around, beginning with the critical match against Nashville on May 3rd.
In light of current standings, the journey this season will certainly be one to monitor as Deila and his squad make a concerted effort to regain their winning form.
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